Pole hook climbing tool

ABSTRACT

The shape of the hand tool invention and the application of reverse pressure on the pole when downward pressure is applied to the handgrip represents an innovative improvement in climbing utility (telephone) poles. The technical disclosure includes the shape of the hand tool and the application of using a hand tool tom assist in climbing poles. The pole-climbing hand tool is a new approach in climbing utility (telephone) poles.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] 1. Description of Related Art

[0002] 2. Field of Invention

[0003] The field of endeavor for which this invention pertains is the climbing of utility (telephone) poles to access CATV and telephone connections and components. The hand tool design provides a handgrip on utility (telephone) poles. The invention may be used as a training device to assist novice pole climbers and to provide increased stability and some degree of fall protection in the event that the climbers boot gaffs “cut out” or otherwise become disengaged from the pole.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The design of this hand tool largely contributes to pole-climber stability and provides a measure of fall protection. The object of this invention is to reduce the risk of accidental injury from falling while attempting to climb utility (telephone) poles. The hand tool also assists pole climbers that attempt to climb utility (telephone) poles that have been climbed several times and have extensive boot gaff cuts in the surface of the pole.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] The drawings submitted with this patent application represent front, side, and top views of the tool design. Sectional detail drawings are noted as A/A, B/B etc. The drawings also list the composition of the tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] Pole Hook Climbing Tool

[0007] Inventor:

[0008] Ronald Ray Goad

[0009] 3900 S Woodland Rd.

[0010] Muskogee, Okla. 74403

[0011] Citizen of the USA

[0012] The invention I am submitting for a patent is a hand tool that provides a handgrip on utility (telephone) poles. The climber uses the hand tool and boot gaffs to climb the pole. The climber positions the hand tool on the pole and applies downward pressure on the handle of the tool creating a reverse pressure on the front and back of the pole. The downward pressure on the handle also engages the two gaff points on the gaffing section of the tool. When the hand tool is positioned and downward pressure applied to the handle with one hand, the climber uses his other hand to hold the back of the pole to maintain lateral proximity to the pole (to keep from falling backward). The climber then uses his boot gaffs to step up one level on the pole. With the climber's boot gaffs engaged, and while holding on to the back of the pole with one hand, the climber applies upward pressure to the handle of the tool releasing the reverse pressure and the gaffs allowing the climber to position the tool to a higher level on the pole. Downward pressure is then reapplied to the handle of the tool reestablishing reverse pressure and gaff penetration into the surface of the pole. The climber then steps up one step higher using his boot gaffs. The sequence is repeated until the climber reaches the desired level on the pole. The climber then secures the tool while holding on to the cable strand or any de-energized stationary fixture of the pole. The climber then uses his lanyard (leather belt) to secure himself to the pole. To use the handtool to climb down the pole, the climber positions the tool on the pole, applies downward pressure on the handle with one hand while holding the back of the pole with the other hand, and steps down one step with his boot gaffs. Then, with his boot gaffs engaged, and while holding the back of the pole, upward pressure is applied to the handle of the hand tool allowing the climber to reposition the tool at a lower level on the pole and step down another step with his boot gaffs. This sequence is repeated until the climber reaches the ground. 

1. What I claim as my invention is the unique shape and two point gaffing design of the handtool and the use of reverse (opposite) force on a utility (telephone) pole generated by downward pressure applied to the handle of the hand tool. 